Isabella Garry: Top 30 Finalist in STEM Competition
Isabella Garry, a seventh-grade student at Central Middle School, has achieved remarkable recognition as one of the top 30 finalists in the national Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC).
Outstanding Achievement
Selected from nearly 60,000 applicants, the Society for Science honored Garry for her innovative environmental health project, “A Novel Method for Microplastic Removal From Simulated Gastric Fluid Using Plant Mucilage Flocculants.”
Environmental Impact
Garry’s research focuses on the pressing issue of plastic pollution, particularly the dangers posed by microplastics in the human digestive system. She designed an experiment to simulate human digestion, creating an acidic environment similar to stomach fluids. By testing natural plant-based mucilages—specifically from psyllium, fenugreek, and okra—she determined their capacity to bind and extract microplastic particles.
- Key Findings: Her experiments indicated that all three materials successfully removed microplastics, with psyllium mucilage achieving a 93.3% extraction rate, highlighting its potential as a natural solution for combating microplastic contamination.
Recognition and Rewards
As a finalist, Garry will receive a $500 cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. this October, where she will represent Minnesota at a national showcase. During this event, she will compete for over $100,000 in total awards, including a grand prize of $25,000. Moreover, Central Middle School will receive a $1,000 grant to support local science and math initiatives in light of her accomplishment.
Historical Milestone
Notably, Garry is the first student from Minnesota to reach the national finals in JIC history.
To learn more about her project, visit her official profile on the Society for Science finalist directory.
About the Junior Innovators Challenge
The Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators through hands-on inquiry and research, addressing some of the world’s most significant challenges.
